A mother and her daughter check out the children's book section at Beijing's first 24-hour bookstore, the Sanlian Taofen Bookstore, in the evening of April 22. Photo:The Beijing News

 
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has applauded Beijing's first 24-hour bookstore in an open letter published on April 22, one day before the World Book Day.

Replying to a letter sent to him by the Sanlian Taofen Bookstore, Li praised the originality of the new business venture and encouraged the bookstore to turn itself into a "spiritual landmark" of the city.

"It is a lively practice of 'nationwide reading,' demonstrating that inner strength and a quiet character are still needed in an ever-changing age." Li wrote in the letter.

The term "nationwide reading" was included in this year's government work report, encouraging Chinese of all strips and ages to pick up a book more often.

The average Chinese read 4.77 books in 2013, 0.38 books more than in 2012, according to a survey conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication recently.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang applauds Beijing's first 24-hour bookstore in an open letter published on April 22, one day before the World Book Day. Photo: The Beijing News